My top three worst kinds of IBS pain

Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for this website. I'm 18 and been suffering from IBS pain for 7 years. The worst thing about the condition is that I've felt terribly lonely, unable to really find someone who understands what it's like. A friend suggested using the internet to see if anyone else was in the same situation, and I managed to follow some links to this page. I was astonished to find that the pain experience you describe is so unbelievably similar to mine. Thanks for helping me appreciate that I am not alone.

The agoniser is defintely my kind of pain - it heralds itself with cramp, accompanied by gurglings and rumblings. I then collect the newspaper, a pencil and the cordless phone, and take myself up to the loo! I choose the upstairs one as I am well away from the front door, open windows etc. so that nobody can hear me moaning and declaring that 'I can't cope with this any longer'. In between the spams I attempt to put in crossword clues, hoping to take my mind off the threatening Vesvusial like erruption. An hour later when it is all over - for another 2-3 days -I feel like a wrung out rag, so do as little as is neccesary for the next hour or so. I HAVE to cope with it, as the usual Colofac, Colpermin tablets etc. don't really help. In a way it is fortunate that I live on my own as I would hate to inflict my noises and moans on anybody !! At least I can get on with it, and shout as much as I want. The neighbours haven't cottoned on yet - at least I don't think they have - probably put it down to that batty old woman shouting at the cat !!! And welcome to Ann - no! m'dear, you certainly aren't on your own - there's thousands of us out there, driving our doctors round the bend and getting nowhere very fast !!!!

I'd like to add my own ...
"The monkey cage."
When I was in college we learned of some sadistic psychological experiment where a monkey in a cage was randomly shocked. Sometimes for short bursts, sometimes long, at random times of the day. Sometimes the monkey was shocked when he eating or drinking, sometimes not. Sometimes before or after. He was shocked in all different parts of the cage--EXCEPT for a "safe spot." He quickly learned his safe spot and would sit there for days and days. Then they started shocking him in his safe spot, and he had a psychotic break. Curled up into a ball and pulled his fur out and zoned out of reality.

To me, IBS feels like my safe spot, of feeling safe and OK and trusting in my own body, has been taken away. I just came thru 2-3 weeks of a "bad patch" and my mental state took a corresponding dive. I haven't started pulling my hair out, thank goodness. But that experiment describes the unpredictableness of IBS flares and the life chaos it creates very well.

Sophie, I'm guessing that you haven't had brain fog yet which I've had for the last month now. I think it's an advanced form of IBS and it's really depressing. I hope you don't get it. The others are all nightmares as well, especially the agonizer.

The "Brain Fog" is being in a dizzy state 24/7 where you can't think clearly. It's a little bit like Alzheimer's I think and I'm not that old! And the fatigue is just awful. I've always been in pretty good shape but now just walking up the steps is difficult.

I really, really, really hope that SIBO is the cause and that I can get cured. That we can all be cured. Please God, please!

Ooooh the agoniser.. Know that one all too well. For me, that one always seems to appear when I have just had a good patch - just to let me know that its still there and is still in control. Always feel soooo drained of all energy for about 2 days after. But the worst part is just sitting there in the bathroom waiting for what you know will happen - wishing it would just hurry up and be over with. Im ashamed to say that many a suicidal moment has passed while being in that state. Its a horrible thing to have to endure.. xx

Hi everyone - thanks for all the comments. The Monkey Cage sounds terrible! I can't believe they were allowed to do that to a monkey (although having said that I think back in the day they were allowed to do all kinds of nasty stuff in the name of science, even on humans...)

I can relate to that one as well - the fact that you can be feeling fine for a couple of weeks and you start getting comfortable, and then BAM, you're back in the IBS world.

To IBS sufferer - have you ever been investigated for fibromyalgia or maybe chronic fatigue syndrome? I know that brain fog is a huge problem with fibro patients, and they often get IBS as well.

I actually just got the brain fog within the last month and I've had IBS for 5 1/2 years. I'm going to be getting a physical soon and I'll ask yet another NEW doctor about fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue systmem, Thanks Sophie.

Hi Sophie,

Just looking generally around the hypnotherapy sites and was pulled into yours?!

I am a hypnotherapist and can explain to you exactly what's going on inside with regard to your IBS - both chemically and mentally. It's quite long winded and takes some time to explain, but if you wish to understand more I'm more than happy to talk with you on the phone. My telephone no is: [number removed for security reasons]. Give yourself at least half an hour if you decide to call.

Kind Regards
Jill Harvey

ps If you want to check my credentials - I'm a Member of the Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy, a Member of the Corporation of Advanced Hypnotherapy - I'm listed on the NHS directory for alternative therapies and lots of other stuff too.

Welcome to the site Jill!

And, um, I don't want to be rude or anything, but if you can explain to me exactly what's going on inside me, both chemically and "mentally", then you're doing better than most of the leading IBS experts in the world!

I've had a couple of offers like this recently, not sure why. I think I'd better just say that I'm not a novice on the whole IBS subject - I've had IBS for 16 years, I'm a moderator on the IBS self-help group bulletin board, I write articles for the UK IBS Network, and I run two of the most popular IBS websites.

I spend hours and hours each week reading about IBS - I know what I'm talking about, honest!

As I said in the other post, the mechanism of how hypnotherapy works in regards to IBS is not fully understood. For example, here's a quote from a 2006 edition of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis:

"The mechanisms of action explaining why hypnosis is effective for IBS are not altogether known, but recent studies have shed some light on this issue. These studies, and what can be learned from them about how hypnosis impacts IBS, are reviewed in this article. Hypnosis may affect IBS partly through changes in colorectal sensitivity and improvement in psychological factors. The effects on GI motility and the autonomic nervous system are less clear and need further evaluation."

And another from the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis in 2005:

"In reviewing the research on the mechanism of action as to how hypnosis works to reduce symptoms of IBS, some evidence was found to support both physiological and psychological mechanisms of action."

Hi Sophie,

My offer still stands.

Warm Regards
Jill

Jill, I admire your confidence! And if you ever need someone to explain to you another aspect of IBS - if you wish to understand more - then please do let me know and I'll see what I can do for you :)

Oh the agoniser!!!!!!!!!
I know it sounds awful but I am so glad that i am not the only one that feels this pain. I had this only this morning and at 10pm I am still having nagging stomach cramps.

I can only say that as a mother of three it is quite literally as bad(and if not worse) than labour pains. The only problem is that you do not get a lovely baby at the end of it.

I'm 35 and have been living with IBS for like 7 years. I've gone thru all 3 pains and am so glad to have found this site 'cause I thought I was going crazy! After going thru like 4 good months I suddenly started living the "balloon experiment" nightmare all over again. The past 3 days and especially today have made me feel like taking a "pin" and popping my right side which immediately after I finish eating it starts "ballooning" and then the stabbing pain starts. The pain has gotten so bad that my chest will start feeling tight, my heart rate increases, I start sweating and it has nothing to do with diearreah or constipation...it's all gas. One good burp or (the other one) and I start feeling better...but then it'll start all over again.

I hadn't noticed that I've been eating and drinking all the wrong things...like wine, Middle Easern food with lots of curry, jalapeño jack cheese on my food, caffeine diet pills, diet sodas, watermelon, spinach, yucca, whole grain breads and whole grain waffles...everything that is a big NO-NO!

(did I mention that yummy, big, greasy beef taquito)?

I lost count on how many Nulev pills, Gas-X, Ibuprofen (and even a Darvocet) pills I've taken just today!
I told my co-workers that if I od'd to call 911 and show them all the pill bottles in my bag. (lol)

After my 3rd (small) meal of the day, my tummy once again expanded and I said "forget this"!!! and I made myself puke and felt better. Now, I'm hungry. I'm so scared to eat. I don't want to puke again in order to "feel better" but I can't go thru this "balloon" pain again...
(sigh)

HELP - someone please give me soome information - this is killing me like everyone else. I Cant get up in the morning from shear fatigue - the pain ia so bad I want to scream but try to pace instead. Somtones day I have no control of my boweels. The constipationa diarrhea is so pain ful. What medication are there that can help. I am open to any suggestions
Thank you
Darlene

Hi Darleen - if you go to my IBS Treatment site at www.irritable-bowel-syndrome.ws there are reviews of most of the medications available for IBS, plus for things like fiber supplements as well.

Ah the baloon pain, thank god its not just me, my doctor gave me the strangest look when I told her that one. Its as though if its not in their medical book its not real. I often feel I may pop, I tend to get this one late at night and lay in bed rolling around until 3am. I'm currently taking about 15 pills a day they help with the toilets trouble but not with the pain in my stomach that is about to pop or feels like there is a knife in my side.

I am so glad I found this, I 've never been diagnosed with IBS (even after rushing to hospital thinking I was going to pop) but I am so sure I have it. I have the balloon pain so often it's scary & agony, then I go to the loo, if anthing moves the balloon 'deflates' however I always feel very hungry and a little sick after. I am a little scared of eating as I know it will strat again, if I'm not balloning then it's the agoniser. I had it today, I couldn't zip up my jeans, which closed zipped up no problem this morning. GO I really thought it was just me til I read this, I live in Italy and have been to the doctor more than 10 times with this, they have never mentioned IBS to me, they just sent me home with a packet of buscopan. I am starting to feel happier already.

Hi,

I've had IBS for about 16 years now, and it went away for about five years which was lovely. Anyway, I get an agonising pain in my left side, which goes after I go to the bathroom, but is so bad that I want to claw the walls with my hands while I'm trying to go! It only last right before I go until I've been, although it may come back shortly after and the need to go again arises. I don't get constipation, mine is diarrhea all the way and right now I haven't left the house for a month, it's been so bad. I also get sick, and I have what feels like a lump in my throat along with more heartburn than a single human being should ever get. The only relief is Loperamide or not eating at all. IS this IBS as I've been told by a doctor who has never examined me but just listened to my tale of woe? My symptoms seem to fit!

I have been dealing with severe IBS for my entire life. As i get older it gets worse. I also seriously contemplate suicide when i am having what i call an episode of pain. Mine can last for several hours though.

I have tried all the IBS meds out there and pain pills. A lot of the pain pills like darvocet actually make my stomach pain worse after they wear off. There isn't anything i can or can't eat that doesn't affect my IBS.

I truly understand, i have been to the ER for my pain sooooo many times that they know me there. There has to be something out there to help. If they can cure cancer why can't they cure IBS???

I have been to numerous doctors and all they tell me is well we can try another pill but you are just going to have to deal with it because i have never seen a case as severe as yours. And why do i pay you??

I recently had my gall bladder removed and at first i felt better, now my IBS is even worse. It is a daily occurrence of pain and agony and diahreah and feeling like complete crap. Good luck to everyone and if i find anything that truly helps i will share with you all. Good luck and god bless you all.

I have had severe pains and loo problems for 10 years now and after years of needles and tests they no tell me its IBS. Why now? I sometimes wonder that they tell you this just so they diagnose you. Its the worst pain i ever get and like some of you I can have good weeks and really bad weeks. I am currently going through a bad week and i feel like i would be better off being put to sleep.

Hi,
I have had IBS all my life. Now I went to the ER with terrible pain under my right breast..lots of gas and a terrible nagging pain. Food helps.can this be my colon all the way up top?
thanks

Thank god im not alone ^^
Ive had it since year 6, now in year 11. Worst year is 10/11 so far.
Suggest taking mints (polos) as this helps with gas etc

i just typed into my browser - "please someone help - terrible ibs" and this page came uo. soooooo glad i'm not alone.

Pain so bad last night i was on all fours on the floor (which didn't help at all). I can only liken it to labour contractions (done for real twice) but without any break in between or any drugs!!

Had to get someone to take my daughter to school today and dare not eat cos i know i have to go and get her later.

I just wish i could feel normal for once!!

All your comments should keep me going!!

I was diagnosed with IBS about 30 years ago. I've experienced just about every pain mentioned in this blog. For me, IBS usually causes abdominal bloating in the wee hours of the morning so typically, I'm semi awake by 4am when my 60 year old body tells me that its time to urinate (with difficulty due to an enlarged prostate). My abdomen seldom feels "comfortable" at 4am so I typcially fall into a "half sleep" if at all. Being tired most of the time breeds anxiety and depression making IBS symptoms even worse. Without fail, my symptoms get better as the day progresses and are the worst in the morning when I first wake up. I also used to get "The Agonizer" about once a month however, my severe pain was centered around what I would describe my upper rectum area. Kind of like a fist pushing down on that area. Otherwise, symptoms were identical to what's described. On the positive side, I seldom have this problem any more. During the day, most of my pain is either on my lower right side or what I describe as my abominal basin (feels like someone is blowing up a balloon down there). It almost feels like I should be wearing a corsit to hold my guys in. I may just try that some day (anyone ever tried that?). As many readers have also testified, I've tried many drugs in the past without much success. I hardly ever get constipated however, I have severe bouts of irregularity, usually coupled with loose bowel movements and/or diarrhia. My abdominal area seldom feels "comfortable". I haven't taken any medication to control IBS (including laxitives) for at least 15 years. However, I found that taking one baby aspirin daily does improve my symptoms. The best suggestions this old guy can make to my internet friends: Try not to focus on your bowel movements - there have been incidents where people did not have a BM for 6 months and survived. Therefore, drop the laxitives - they only make matters worse. Wait it out. Your body is pretty amazing in attempting to regulate itself. Drink plenty of water when constipated and try Metamucil, oatmeal or Citracil. Try one daily baby aspirin to reduce inflamation of the colon and/or small intestine. My experience is that aspirin controls IBS and flatulence quite effectively if taken regularly. Try to increase your water and fiber intake. Popcorn is great and so is oatmeal. D'ont mistake symptoms of IBS with colon cancer. My wife had colon cancer with similar IBS systems - until she started to throw up. IBS sufferers seldom throw up.

I have a pattern of constipation, then the diarrhea that causes the extreme pain, lasts several hours, and since I have really bad hemmoroids, I begin to have bleeding that requires pads. The loose bowels continue on and on until I finally take a Lomotium so I can go to work. Then the merry-round starts all over again.

I also feel like I will never get help, the drs. have not helped and I become confused about a diet - never know what sets it off. Most of the time after a severe attack, I also end up on the floor - either from fainting, or pain so badly I can't get up and have to call my daughter to help me. She comes in, immediately begins to put ice packs on my face trying to revive me, puts me back on pot if I need to be or puts me in the bed where I stay for next two days before I get my strength back. A terrible way to live.

i never new there were so many people with ibs and i feel im not alone,i suffered with anxiety a few years ago and was told i had ibs caused with axiety,but the symtoms were not like i have now,it went away for a year then started again around xmas,i keep saying it is with my grandaughter moving in with me and getting stess,

i have often felt like ending it all because i cant live a normal life,it isnt problems with the toilet mine is my stomach is flat when i get up in the morning a couple of hours after i start to blow up and my bell gets bigger as the day goes on and then painful,i have stated feeling dizzy and getting headaches,they told me at the chemist you dont go dizzy with ibs,

like most of you out there i have tried different tablets nothing,i cant take some meds like buscapan as they cause fast heart rate and i suffer with svt which is fast heart rate brought on with different things,i think the ibs brings on the ibs and ibs brings on the anxiety a vicious circle,

i never want to go out i have to wear baggy clothes all the time as i look pregnant,i have become wheat intolerant,im so fed up like all of you,it wouldnt be so bad if i didnt get it everyday all day anyone else out there get it as often as me and get dizzy spells and feel anxious?

the only time i can relax is when im lay in bed,i dont want to get up in the morning and look forward to going to bed.all doctors do is give you a tablet and off you go because they dont know what it is they should try and find the cause before trying the meds get to the root of it,but their not interested,

i was going to buy this book off the net but dont trust paying with my card even with padlock on it sounds good,

thank goodness for this site i wish you all the best and hope someone finds a cure or help,it is a terrible way to live.

just added my comment and after read other peoples comments again,there are a lot of you in terrible pain i rearly feel for you,my pain isnt that bad it is the other things mainly the bloating dizzyness and feeling shattered all the time cant even get up stairs without my heart beating fast and feel as though i have done a marathan

Having had IBS for some 13 years, with all the associated agony etc., I have just started a Gluten Free diet two weeks ago and the diarhea has stopped completely, as has the bloating, still no success with the lower right side pain which can be really bad (like a knife going in) but will keep you all posted on that one. I am told it can take up to three months for the gut to calm down. I am hopeful, as NHS has little to offer. Hope this may be of help to some of you.

I have had IBS for over twenty years. I find
it is worse now. Recently my dad passed away, and my mother has been diagnosed with cancer.
I am an only child, and I live with her.
Has anyone experienced bad lower left sided
and also in the middle of the colon pain.
I am thinking, I am going through a lot of stress, and I have always been an anxious person. I think from all the stress, it is causing me this terrible pain, also, have any
of you felt pain in your lower left colon when you bent over? It is so very depressing to have this, and it is worse than ever at this time. I would appreciate hearing from someone.

God Bless,
Jeff Christopher